DC/DC Converter Handles Light And Heavy Loads

Designed for applications such as PDAs, camcorders, digital still cameras, distributed power systems, and computer peripherals, the NCP1550 step-down voltage dc/dc controller is said to be one of the smallest devices available to provide high conversion efficiency and accurate output voltage regulation. The device outputs up to 2A of loading current and operates in PWM mode at 600 kHz during normal operation. It automatically switches to PFM mode at low loads to provide a higher efficiency. This PWM/PFM control scheme promises to optimize overall efficiency for both normal and standby operating modes and extend battery life. A chip-enable feature reduces current drain to 0.3 mA when the target device is in shutdown mode. Other features include an integrated feedback-resistor network, input voltage range from 2.4V to 5.5V, and output voltage options range from 1.8V to 3.3V Available in a TSOP-5, the converter costs $0.55 each/10K. ON SEMICONDUCTOR, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 244-6398.